Andy Kim, (pictured at ACC's Northridge Campus), has been director of environmental stewardship since 2009.

For Andy Kim, Austin Community College’s director of environmental stewardship, being green may not always be easy – but it is essential.

Kim oversees the college’s award-winning initiatives in sustainability, projects that are helping ACC reduce its carbon footprint and save hundreds of thousands of dollars in operating costs.

“We’ve made really good progress,” he says. “We’re not just doing good for the environment, we’re saving money.”

It was five years ago that Kim was hired to execute newly adopted college policies for sustainable practices. At the time, a sustainability officer was unusual – at least in Austin.

“I didn’t know a job like this existed,” he says. “I thought, this is exactly what I trained for and what I was passionate for.”

Kim’s passion for green building and sustainability is tied to his roots: In his native country of South Korea, energy efficiency was a necessity. He was pursuing a doctorate degree in architecture with a concentration in sustainable design when he decided to move to Austin in the mid-1990s.

He helped design several green buildings while working in the private sector, including the Ronald McDonald House of Austin and Central Texas, the first in the area to earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification.

Making the move to ACC, however, not only gave him a chance to apply green building principles to existing facilities and new construction, but also the opportunity to share his passion with students.

“In higher education, we work with students who can make a big difference in our future,” he says. “We have an opportunity to lead and to teach our next generation who can make our world a better place.”

Under Kim’s leadership ACC’s sustainability initiatives – and the accolades the college has received because of them – continue to grow. In 2012, ACC was one of only two community colleges to receive a Climate Leadership Award from Second Nature and the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. The latest award came in October 2014 from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

“That tells us we’re setting a good example for other colleges and universities,” Kim says. Still, that doesn’t mean pursuing a goal of climate neutrality will be easy. Kim says students and employees can help through even the smallest actions, such as using water bottle filling stations, turning off the lights, and riding bus or bike when they can to reduce the number of vehicles coming to campus.

“It’s a big commitment to make, but to get there we all need to work together.”

Visit the Office of Sustainability webpage to join a campus Green Team or to see the many ways ACC is working to protect the environment.

]]>http://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/index.php/2015/01/08/growing-a-greener-college-andy-kim-leads-strides-in-sustainability/feed/2NASA flight surgeon launched medical career from ACChttp://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/index.php/2014/08/14/nasa-flight-surgeon-launched-medical-career-from-acc/
http://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/index.php/2014/08/14/nasa-flight-surgeon-launched-medical-career-from-acc/#commentsThu, 14 Aug 2014 18:51:51 +0000mreyeshttp://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/?p=27956NOTE: Dr. Sean Roden will be a special guest speaker at the ACC Highland Campus grand opening on August 27. Learn more and RSVP here.

Dr. Sean Roden, ACC Alumni & NASA flight surgeon

By all accounts, Dr. Sean Roden has had an extraordinary career. He is a flight surgeon supporting the International Space Station and NASA, and he has worked as an expeditionary physician at the South Pole.

But he says none of it would be possible without Austin Community College.

“ACC taught me what I needed to know,” says Roden. “The college holds a special place in my heart.”

Roden grew up on a ranch in west Texas, with a passion for roping, riding, and swimming. School wasn’t a place where he excelled.

“I did just enough to get by. If you were an athlete, you always passed,” he recalls.

Roden didn’t plan on college, but his father paid him $500 to apply to the University of Texas at Austin. He enrolled and racked up plenty of credits, but few in the same program of study – and none in math or science.

So when a relative suggested Roden become a doctor, it didn’t seem like a natural fit.

‘If it hadn’t been for ACC, I wouldn’t have made it. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about that.’ – Dr. Sean Roden

“I’d taken just about every other course, though, so I decided to give the EMT program at ACC a try,” Roden says.

His first night in an ambulance changed his life.

“The more I learned about medicine, the more I loved it,” he says. “I applied and got into the associate degree program in emergency medical services. My GPA went from a 2.0 to a 4.0.”

After he graduated from ACC and decided it was time to progress toward medical school, he re-enrolled at UT. But his avoidance of math became a problem.

“I couldn’t take college-level math courses. I didn’t even have the high school math down,” notes Roden.
So once again, he turned to ACC. He completed non-math courses at UT during the day while taking developmental math at ACC in the evenings. With the help of his professors, he conquered math – and was soon on to medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he graduated in 1994.

His interest in medicine and flight came together at NASA, where he works as a flight surgeon, providing medical care and medical training for astronauts. Roden also spent several months as a medical officer at the South Pole, supporting personnel at the National Science Foundation’s station. He credits his accomplishments to his studies at ACC.

“If it hadn’t been for ACC, I wouldn’t have made it,” says Roden. “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about that.”

He believes community colleges are the key to success for many students.

“Community colleges fill a niche now more than any time in the history of education,” he remarks. “You can get a great education without the cost of a big university. You can take courses you are interested in and find your passion. You can better yourself while fulfilling your responsibilities. My message to students? You can do it. I’m living proof.”

Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to nominate full-time or adjunct faculty members who promote special learning opportunities, student interaction, and innovation. Recipients will receive a $1,000 prize.

Austin Community College is opening its ACC 1-on-1 hotline to help prospective students get started on college.

The program runs Oct. 14 through Nov. 8. Individuals can get rapid assistance from an advisor – even before filling out the admissions application – by calling the dedicated phone number (512.223.7747) or sending an email (ACC1on1@austincc.edu). More information is available at austincc.edu/getstarted.

“This is a great tool to connect more Central Texans to the training they need for the jobs that are here now and coming soon,” says Drew Scheberle, senior vice president for education and talent development at the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

ACC offers more than 100 areas of study in high-demand fields such as nursing and biotechnology; the college also is a leader in university transfer. The cost of tuition, $67 per credit hour, is 74 percent lower than the average for area public universities.

Spring registration is under way for current and former students, and new student registration begins Nov. 4. ACC has an open-door admissions policy, with everyone who meets eligibility criteria encouraged to enroll.

“ACC 1-on-1 can guide students through the application and registration process and provide immediate answers to your questions,” says Patty Behr, director of enrollment management. “Whether you want to return to school or are just beginning your college career, ACC has resources that can help you get in the door, successfully earn a degree or certificate, and get into the workforce.”

Taking the GED? Changes are coming – so Austin Community College Adult Education encourages students who are currently testing to complete the GED now.

The current version of the General Educational Development (GED) exam will expire at the end of 2013. Students who don’t complete all sections of the exam before 2014 will have to retake the entire test, which covers reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Starting in 2014, the GED exam will become completely computer-based. It will include more short answer, essay, and fill-in-the-blank questions.

Registration is under way for ACC’s classroom GED prep sessions that begin the week of October 21. For more information, visit austincc.edu/abe or call (512) 223.5300. Classes are available throughout Travis County and are free to students.

Find out more about changes to the GED and hear from Adult Education’s David Borden in this KUT News story.

Adult Education also recommends “GED Connections,” video-based instruction that airs on ACC-TV (19 on Time Warner Cable; 19 on Grande Communications; 99 on AT&T U-verse; and 6 on Suddenlink). GED Connections will air 6-7 p.m. Monday through Friday (Oct. 14 through Dec. 13). In addition, it will air weekends 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Oct. 12 through Dec. 15). GED Connections also is available on the KLRU website.

“These videos are a great resource for people preparing for the GED exam. They give you a solid understanding of the GED subject areas and show you how those skills relate to the real world,” says David Borden, executive director of Adult Education at ACC. “Students can watch the videos on their own or to reinforce what they learn in the classroom.”

ACC is helping an increasing number of Central Texas adults earn their GED. The number of students who have completed ACC’s GED preparatory program and earned their high school equivalency certificate has gone up 92 percent since 2007-08. In the last program year, 446 students graduated from the program. In all, Adult Education served 4,426 students in the past year, including adult basic education, ESL, and adult secondary education students.

The early October heat didn’t bother the group of ACC students and employees who spent the day working at an old East Austin house. They dirtied their hands planting flowers, built a fence around the yard, and cleaned every inch of the house. They did it all for Richard Overton, the 107-year-old homeowner, believed to be the oldest living World War II veteran.

Overton, a lifelong Texan who built the house after his service in the U.S. Army, looked on as the ACC team – along with volunteers from Home Depot, the University of Texas at Austin, the City of Austin’s Veterans Services Office, and other organizations – painted the house, replaced broken windows, built a new porch, and installed an air conditioning unit.

“I appreciate all the work they’re doing. I would’ve never been able to afford all of this on my own,” Overton says. “I wish they could come out and do this every day.”

Volunteers work outside the home of Richard Overton, believed to be the oldest living WWII veteran.

The home makeover’s roots have an ACC connection. Overton met ACC professor Dr. Nancy Glass, a longtime advocate for veterans and service members, when she escorted him on an Honor Flight through Honor Flight Austin – a chapter of a national group that helps veterans travel to the World War II memorial in Washington D.C. Since that flight, Glass has frequently visited Overton at his home near Eastview Campus.

Allen Bergeron, chairman of Honor Flight Austin, recently contacted Glass about the Home Depot Foundation Celebration of Service, an initiative to complete service projects benefiting veterans and their families. Glass wrote a proposal to have Overton’s house made over, and the Home Depot Foundation accepted it. On Oct. 3, Overton’s house got its overhaul.

Overton says he is most looking forward to spending time on the repaired porch, where he will enjoy his whiskey-stiffened coffee and cigars. He doesn’t watch TV, preferring to spend time driving his 1979 Chevy truck, mowing the grass, and attending church.

“He is such a remarkable man,” Glass says. “I’ve felt very lucky to have the opportunity to get to know him.”

ACC student Lauren McIntyre spent her only day off from work and classes helping at Overton’s house. She says she would’ve done anything to have the opportunity to meet someone with such a rich history.

McIntyre says: “He selflessly served our country – the very least we can do is help improve his home.”

]]>http://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/index.php/2013/10/06/acc-volunteers-help-make-over-home-of-oldest-wwii-veteran/feed/3Arts and Humanities Fall Season Under Wayhttp://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/index.php/2013/09/25/acc-arts-and-humanities-fall-season-under-way/
http://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/index.php/2013/09/25/acc-arts-and-humanities-fall-season-under-way/#commentsWed, 25 Sep 2013 21:33:22 +0000ksteinerhttp://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/?p=22763The Austin Community College Arts and Humanities Division invites students, faculty, staff, and the community to explore the theme “Dreams and Destinations: Where are you going?” through the fall 2013 season – including drama, dance, film, and art events.

“This year’s theme is a natural progression of exploration and self-discovery that Arts and Humanities has been centered on for the past few years,” says Matthew Daude Laurents, interim dean. “All of our departments provide unique and creative ways to explore this theme.”

This fall, the Art Department will take full advantage of the Rio Grande Campus Gallery. The Texas Sculpture Group will display at the gallery through Thursday, Oct. 10, and ACC art majors will have their own exhibit in November.

Other highlights of the season include:

Playwright Caridad Svich, also an accomplished songwriter, editor, and translator, will give a reading and discuss her writing process Oct. 18 at Eastview Campus.

Neil LaBute’s romantic drama “Reasons to be Pretty” will be performed Oct. 25-27 and Nov. 1-3 at the Rio Grande Campus Mainstage Theater.

ACC dance students and faculty will perform Dec. 6 and 7 at the Rio Grande Campus Mainstage Theater.

“I am passionate about art and education because of the way they’ve shaped my life,” Peña says. “I am happy to share my experiences with everyone at ACC, especially students who may not have had the opportunity to speak and work with an artist before.”

Last year, Peña donated 16 of his lithographs, valued at nearly $100,000, to ACC’s permanent collection. The art is on display at Highland Business Center.

“Amado is a great friend to ACC and a true believer in the power of education,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO. “We are proud to display his work, and we are grateful for the work he’s doing with the ACC community.”

]]>http://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/index.php/2013/09/23/amado-pena-hosts-artist-in-residence-events-at-acc-sept-26-30/feed/3Happy Anniversary ACC! Celebrating 40 Years of Connecting People to Careershttp://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/index.php/2013/09/18/happy-anniversary-acc-celebrating-40-years-of-connecting-people-to-careers/
http://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/index.php/2013/09/18/happy-anniversary-acc-celebrating-40-years-of-connecting-people-to-careers/#commentsWed, 18 Sep 2013 22:07:40 +0000jpowershttp://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/?p=22483About 2,500 students, alumni, employees, and friends of Austin Community College gathered at ACC Highland September 17 to commemorate the college’s 40th anniversary.

“It’s a Family Affair: Celebrating 40 Years of ACC” included cake, music, and even a little dancing, but the focus of the celebration was on the thousands who have come to ACC to advance their education or career, and the many faculty, staff, and college leaders who have helped them reach their goals.

Students sign in to the Career and Resource Fair.

“This is a wonderful day for ACC,” said ACC President/CEO Dr. Richard Rhodes. “We’re here because of the students — to allow them to achieve their dreams. That commitment to serve students runs deep.”

In addition to sharing memories, event participants had a chance to connect with area employers and learn what ACC has to offer through a Career and Resource Fair and Program Showcase. Representatives from more than 200 employers and community agencies and 75 ACC programs and organizations were on hand to offer information and advice. Participants also could choose from more than 20 workshops on topics such as resume writing, starting a business, and networking through social media.

Following the workshops and exhibits, past and present ACC leaders spoke about the college’s growth from one campus with 1,700 students, to nine campuses serving 55,000 credit and Continuing Education students.

“When we talk about success, we can use many standards,” said Dr. Ramon Dovalina, ACC’s first Admissions & Records officer and former president of Laredo Community College. “I’d like to measure success by the success of the people who this institution has touched.”

The ACC Jazz Choir performs for event attendees.

Paul Duffy, a member of ACC’s first graduating class and recently retired staff member, said those who were at the college in the early days could not have imagined what it would become, yet they knew they were part of something special.

“Most of us felt at the time a spirit that something momentous in terms of higher education was happening at ACC,” he said, adding that the college nurtures a capacity to contribute that will carry on through ACC’s new Alumni Network.

While the event included several disco-infused references to the past, many spoke of ACC’s future potential.

“We’re just seeing the beginning,” said former Austin Mayor Gus Garcia, who also was a member ACC’s first Board of Trustees. “ACC has been a great thing for Austin, and we’re just seeing the beginning of the benefits.”

View the new History Timeline to see 40 years of ACC milestones in photos and videos.

See photos from the 40th anniversary event below.

]]>http://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/index.php/2013/09/18/happy-anniversary-acc-celebrating-40-years-of-connecting-people-to-careers/feed/1Emergency Preparedness Week: Be Informed to be Preparedhttp://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/index.php/2013/09/06/emergency-preparedness-week-be-informed-to-be-prepared/
http://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/index.php/2013/09/06/emergency-preparedness-week-be-informed-to-be-prepared/#commentsFri, 06 Sep 2013 21:17:31 +0000ACC Staffhttp://www.austincc.edu/newsroom/?p=22300Emergency Preparedness Week allows ACC students, faculty, and staff to practice what they should do if an emergency or disaster strikes on campus. The events take place during the third week of each semester; this fall’s activities are set for Sept. 9-13.

“The safety of our students and employees is critical,” says Kristine Elderkin, ACC’s emergency management coordinator. “In an emergency, quick, decisive action saves lives. Emergency Preparedness Week is a great opportunity for everyone to make sure they are prepared.”

Emergency Preparedness Week activities include:

Emails with safety and preparedness tips

Building evacuation drills (locations and times are not announced in advance)

ACC Emergency Alert system test. This communications system sends automated emergency information to students, faculty, and staff through emergency message boards, email, and voice and text messages. ACC will test its Emergency Alert System on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

ACC has implemented a new system to simplify the process for receiving ACC Emergency Alerts. Signing up for alerts no longer is necessary: faculty, staff, and students simply verify their information in Online Services to make sure they receive notifications at their preferred number(s). (After logging in, click “ACC Emergency Alert” on the menu page.)

“ACC Emergency Alert is an important tool for sharing vital information,” says Elderkin. “Although students, faculty, and staff are sent alerts automatically, they should check their ACC Emergency Alert contact information before the system test to make sure the alerts go to the correct contact number.”

All ACCmail addresses will receive emergency notifications from “ACC Emergency Alert”; voice messages will come from an internal ACC phone number, (512-223-2222), and text messages will be from “@alert.austincc.edu.” The new notification system is powered by the RSAN (Roam Secure Alert Network) system, currently in use at several campuses statewide, including the University of Texas, Lone Star College, and El Paso Community College.